Mississippi College Women’s Tennis Go 2-0 at Home Openers
After a Thursday win, the Choctaws beat the University of Texas at Tyler on Friday 5-2.
Fernanda Cota waits for her doubles partner to serve during the Choctaw women’s tennis match Friday, Feb. 9, against the University of Texas at Tyler. Because of rain, Mississippi College’s women’s opening weekend was moved to Thursday and Friday. The Choctaws won their first match Thursday 7-0 against Harding University.
Elyangelica Alas received coaching from Coach Michael Ward during her Friday doubles match against UT Tyler. Alas plays line one doubles for the Choctaws, and, alongside Cota, was ranked 6th in the region during the fall season.
Alas as she begins her service motion during the doubles point. This is Alas’s fifth year playing for Mississippi College. She is playing line one singles and line one doubles for the third year in a row.
Julissa De Mata signals to her doubles partner, Gabrielle Goelier, where she wants the serve to go and whether or not she is going to poach. De Mata and Goelier started playing together in the fall. They won this match against UT Tyler 6-1.
Gabrielle Goelier stands in ready position as she waits for her opponent from UT Tyler to serve. De Mata is returning serve on the ad side.
Geolier and De Mata celebrate after winning a point during one of Geolier’s service games against UT Tyler. This is Geolier’s senior year, while De Mata is a junior transfer from Meridian Community College.
Coach Ward watches Cota and Alas’s performance against UT Tyler. Coach Ward has been emphasizing an aggressive style of doubles play. Cota and Alas won the match 6-4.
Emma Roberts and Maria Rodriguez on the change-over receive coaching from assistant coach Brady McDaniel. McDaniel is a former Mississippi College tennis player. He graduated in 2023, and he is now serving as an assistant coach.
Rodriguez prepares at the net while she waits for Roberts to return. Rodriguez and Roberts have been playing together for three years. This is Rodriguez’s last season. Roberts is a senior with another year of eligibility.